Morris Ray Wayne

Morris Ray Wayne

September 9, 1946 – May 16, 2024

Morris Ray Wayne was born at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky, on September 9, 1946. He was the first child of four children born to the late Louis (Dick) Wayne and Evelyn (Peggy) Wayne.

Morris was raised on a farm in Jessamine County, where he learned to be the example of a hard worker which he exhibited for all his adult life. It was also on this farm where he met his wife, Georgia Carol David in 1962. Morris and Georgia both attended Jessamine County High School, where they remained sweethearts. He graduated in 1964 and began his Grocery Store Career at Zandale Gateway Supermarket. Georgia graduated in May 1965, and they were soon husband and wife on October 22, 1965.

Morris was drafted into the United States Army in January 1966. He left for Basic Training on February 7, 1966, located at Fort Knox, KY. He returned home for a two-week leave before being transferred to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Staying there until November 1966. After a month leave, Morris began his over sea tour of 16 months in Stuttgart, Germany.

During Morris’ military service, he and Georgia welcomed their son, Rusty on October 7th, 1966. Morris was allowed a 30 day leave to spend with Georgia and their newborn child. He was only able to watch Rusty grow through photographs for the next 16 months. Returning home to his young family in January 1968. Following his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Morris continued his grocery store career at Zandale Gateway. On August 10, 1970, Morris and Georgia welcomed their daughter Kathy Sue, who would always remain a Daddy’s Girl.

His children are so very proud to call him our Daddy. He loved us and our Momma and set a great example of how to be a good parent, devoted family man, and hard worker. Many days, Daddy would work from sunup until sundown to provide for his family. In total, Morris spent 46 years in the grocery store business, as a produce manager. Serving at Gateway, Slone’s Foodtown, Whole Foods and Fitch’s IGA.

Morris also set the example of how to be a God-fearing man. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and began his calling to serve God. His family was so very proud to stand by his side as he was Ordained as a Deacon on January 13, 2019. Daddy loved the Lord and put his Faith and Trust in Him throughout his courageous battle with Liver Cancer. Daddy often told his family, that God had him and either way he was a winner and that we should pray for God’s Will to be done. One of his favorite Bible verses was Philippians 4:13 “I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.” When Daddy left his pain and sickness behind, on May 16, 2024, he immediately was in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” We know from our Faith that we have not said “Goodbye” to our Daddy, for it is through our Faith in God and Belief in Jesus, that we will be with Daddy once again.

He is survived by his wife of 58 ½ years, Georgia. His son, Rusty (Brenda) and daughter Kathy (Robert) Hall. His five grandchildren, who he loved dearly, James Wayne, Felicia Wayne, Ashlee (Brandon)Taylor, Robin (Brent) Neal, and Katie (Jen) Chafin, and five precious great-grandchildren, James Guile, Adrionna Ramsey, Sadie Hall, Ellie Hall, and Levi Taylor. Also surviving him are his siblings, Benny (Leslyn) Wayne, Patricia (James) Simms, and Don (Jenny) Wayne, several nieces, and nephews.

Morris was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Peggy Wayne, Georgia’s parents George and Elizabeth David, and Brother-in-law Jerry David.

Morris’ wife and children would like to invite you as we honor his life; funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Bethel Christian Church. Graveside services with Military Honors will follow at Camp Nelson National Cemetery, where bearers will be Robert Hall, Bradley Simms, Randy David, Brandon Taylor, Ricky David, and Michael David. Honorary bearers will be the Elders & Deacons of Bethel Christian Church, Cecil Gayhart, Roy Parrott, and Ben Hitch. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2024, at the church and from 9:00 AM until service time on Tuesday. Betts & West Funeral Home is honored to serve Morris and the Wayne family. Memorial contributions are suggested to Bethel Christian Church's building fund. Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com